Dutch journalist has now delivered an interesting verdict on what Minteh has said about his Newcastle future

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It is still unclear what the future holds for Yankuba Minteh at Newcastle United next season.

There have been suggestions that the 19-year-old winger could play a part in Eddie Howe’s first-team, while it has also been reported that Feyenoord would like to re-sign the Gambia international on loan.

Yankuba Minteh has been turning heads with his performances in Rotterdam, and is currently enjoying a bright run of form. He has got four goals in his last three games, and now has 11 goal contributions in all competitions.

His recent form has only heightened Feyenoord’s desire to retain Minteh, and the teenager recently said that he will remain with the Eredivisie club if he gets the chance.

It seemed like a pretty bold statement by the winger, but a Dutch journalist has suggested that he probably was not telling the complete truth.

Why Yankuba Minteh may have said he wants to stay at Feyenoord

Valentijn Driessen has appeared on De Telegraaf’s Kick Off podcast, and explained why he thinks Minteh had to say he was open to re-joining Feyenoord on loan next season.

“Minteh is immediately put back on the horse [hoisted on the shield] and it’s all great,” he said.

“That’s what the boy has to say, because he’s sitting there with Feyenoord reporters.

“And in fact, he communicates there with the Feyenoord audience. And then Minteh says: ‘No, of course I don’t want to stay here. I want to go to Newcastle United.’ He’s not going to say that there, because you will be whistled at the next match.”

Newcastle have a big decision to make with Minteh

Valentijn Driessen makes an excellent point. Minteh would not look very good if he was telling Feyenoord reporters he had no interest in going back.

And, if Newcastle do decide to loan him out again, you have to imagine that he would fancy another stint there. He is clearly developing as a footballer, and is getting a lot of minutes at a very high level.

It will all depend on what Toon officials want to do. They will be eager to have a look at him in pre-season, and directly see how he compares to Newcastle’s other wingers.

If he outperforms them then it is clear that he should remain at St James’ Park. But if it is deemed that he is not going to play regularly enough in the Premier League then another loan spell would be beneficial.

Everything is up in the air right now, but it is great to see Minteh scoring goals and doing well for Feyenoord. The potential is there for all to see, and hopefully he eventually realises it in a Newcastle United shirt.